Diet Pattern and HEI‐2010 Score for US Adults Meeting Fiber Intake Recommendations NHANES 2001‐2010

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the diet pattern and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)‐2010 score for US adults meeting the Adequate Intake (AI) for fiber using NHANES 2001‐2010 (n=2,565). Weighted intakes of fiber and HEI‐2010 scores were calculated and food sources categorized according to the USDA FNDDS, 5.0. Food sources of fiber (% of total) for adults age 19+ years who met the AI for fiber were grain products (40.6%), vegetables (17.8%), dry beans/peas/legumes/nuts & seeds (17.1%), fruits (15.6%), meat/poultry/fish& mixtures (5%) and all other foods (3.9%). Grain products consumed (% of total) were grain mixtures/frozen plate meals/soups (27.2%), ready‐to‐eat cereals (RTEC)(22.5%), yeast breads/rolls (14.8%), quick breads (11.2%), crackers /salty snacks (9.3%), pastas (7.0%) and cakes/cookies/pies/pastries (6.7%). Overall, RTEC and grain mixtures/frozen plate meals/soupswith grain as a major ingredient accounted for 50% of all grain products consumed. The mean HEI‐2010 score for US adults meeting the AI for fiber was 61.05. The change in HEI‐2010 score for each quartile increase in fiber intake was +3.10 points. Grain products, including RTEC and mixtures, made a significant contribution to fiber intake for adults meeting the AI for fiber. HEI‐2010 scores for adults meeting the AI for fiber were higher than the mean score for the US population (age 2+ years) reported by USDA of 53.5 (based on NHANES 2007‐08). Increased fiber intake resulted in an increase in HEI‐2010 score of 3.10 for each fiber intake quartile, with grains and mixtures being important sources of fiber for US adults meeting the AI.Funding support provided by the Kellogg Company